Nurse Extern - Semester 2026

Inova is accepting applications for our Nurse Extern – 2026 Semester Program. Inova offers an opportunity to gain valuable experience to allow you to grow in confidence and knowledge!

Start dates: 1/5/26 and 3/9/26

Nurse Externs - Semester Nurse Externs are required to work a minimum of 96 hours on the unit over 12-week session.

The first week (5 days) is mandatory training and orientation (daytime hours).

Please apply by November 1, 2025 for priority consideration.

 ***Applicants must be currently enrolled in a nursing degree program and have successfully completed at least one acute care clinical rotation***

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Nurse Extern Job Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse (RN) on the plan of care for patient assignments. Provides basic nursing care which is deemed competent under the direction and supervision of the RN. Assists with treatments and procedures under the direction and supervision of the RN.
• Assists with unit needs to improve patient flow and unit outcomes through effective communication and collaboration and while working with the team to achieve maximum productivity.
• Assists RN and other members of the healthcare team in gathering basic monitoring data and specimen collection. Observes and reports any patient symptoms and/or change in patient conditions to the appropriate RN.
• Evaluates and maintains the environment to promote patient and healthcare team safety.
• Documents all patient care activities on assigned patients in accordance with documentation standards.
• Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Attends simulation exercises as assigned.
• Completes extern training, skill competency checklist and simulation labs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education (official transcript required): Currently enrolled nursing student with minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0
• Other: Successful completion of one acute care (med-surg) clinical rotation, one faculty letter of recommendation
• Licensure/ Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association required upon start 

Positions available for various facilities, shifts and specialty areas.

Facilities:

• Inova Alexandria Hospital           4320 Seminary Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304
• Inova Fairfax Medical Campus   3300 Gallows Rd, Falls Church, VA 22042
• Inova Fair Oaks Hospital             3600 Joseph Siewick Dr, Fairfax, VA 22033
• Inova Loudoun Hospital              44045 Riverside Pkwy, Leesburg, VA 20176
• Inova Mount Vernon Hospital       2501 Parkers Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306

Shifts: All (Day shift, mid-shift, Night shift)

Specialty Areas: Inpatient units only

About Inova Health

We are Inova, Northern Virginia’s leading nonprofit healthcare provider. Every day, our 25,000+ team members provide world-class healthcare to the communities we serve. Our people are the reason we're a national leader in healthcare safety, quality and patient experience. And from best-in-class facilities to professional development opportunities, we support them at every step. At Inova, we're constantly striving to be ever better — to shape a more compassionate future for healthcare. Inova’s Anti-Discrimination Employment Policy

Inova Health is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Please note that this posting is for consideration on any current and future positions in our Nurse Extern Program at Inova.